Current Problem
BMI of Americans
Challenges to healthier diets
Fast Food Restaurants Across NYC
The following is an interactive leaflet map illustrating the distribution of franchised fast food establishments throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Although the demographic composition of each borough varies by socioeconomic status (SES), the density of these chain restaurants appears to be fairly uniform across the city landscape. These fast food outlets prioritize cost efficiency and are strategically situated to maximize accessibility and convenience, effectively permeating every block and corner of the city. Prominent examples, such as McDonald’s and Subway, exemplify strategic store placement in key Manhattan locations to optimize their reach. Adopting an approach similar to manufacturing, these fast food franchises prioritize accessibility over health and nutrition. The mass-produced food items are delivered to the general public in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible, reflecting the underlying business objectives of these establishments.
Data: Fast Food Restaurants Across NYC | Kaggle https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/datafiniti/fast-food-restaurants
Potential Solutions
Special Diets Among Adults Aged 20 and Over in the United States from 2007 to 2018
The subsequent interactive line graph highlights the prevalence of various specialized diets among adults aged 20 and over in the United States from 2007 to 2018. The diets encompass Weight Loss or Low Calorie Diet, Diabetic Diet, Low Carbohydrate Diet, and Low Fat or Low Cholesterol Diet. Notably, the Weight Loss or Low Calorie Diet experienced the most significant increase among the four diets, often linked with plant-based diets The proportion of U.S. adults following this diet escalated from 7.5 percent in 2007 to 10 percent in 2018. The Diabetic Diet remained relatively stable over time, fluctuating from 1.8 percent to 2.2 percent, as diabetic patients typically adhere to physician-prescribed diets rather than electing to adopt such diets independently. Conversely, the Low Carbohydrate Diet witnessed a substantial increase from 0.9 percent to 2.2 percent over the decade. This diet’s popularity can be attributed to its association with numerous health benefits, such as promoting weight loss, enhancing blood sugar control, and bolstering overall metabolic health. The Ketogenic (Keto) Diet and the Atkins Diet serve as prime examples of low carbohydrate diet plans. Lastly, the Low Fat or Low Cholesterol Diet observed a decline in its share of dietary options. The percentage of U.S. adults adhering to a low-fat diet decreased from 2.7 percent in 2007 to 1.5 percent in 2018, suggesting that this dietary approach may have lost its appeal due to its perceived ineffectiveness in helping individuals achieve their health objectives.
Data: Special Diets Among Adults: United States, 2015–2018 | CDC https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db389.htm
Datatable of Nutritional Information of the Most Common Food
To emphasize the significance of health and nutrition literacy at an individual level, an interactive, searchable data table has been assembled, enabling users to identify and sort various food items based on their respective quantities, caloric content, protein, fat, saturated fat, fiber, carbohydrate levels, and associated categories. Having comprehensive nutritional information is particularly beneficial to users adhering to specific fitness and dietary regimens tailored to their personal needs and preferences. Predominantly, the data frame comprises of ingredients that facilitate the creation of diverse and nutritious recipes. This resource serves as a valuable tool for promoting informed decision-making in relation to personal dietary choices and overall health.
Data: Nutritional Facts for most common foods | Kaggle https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/niharika41298/nutrition-details-for-most-common-foods
